The Commons Project Committee

• Is a special committee of The Dent County Fall Festival Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
• Maintains, regulates, and further develops The Commons Property.
• Is comprised of local citizens representing youth, community at large, agricultural industry, business sector and Dent County Fall Festival Board.

Brief History of The Commons

• January 1998
  A family who has lived in Dent County for more than 30 years visions The Commons
• January 1999
  The Project is introduced to the community
• December 1999
  The property is transferred to the Committee
• January 2000
  Estimated costs of the entire project were $4.1 million
• October 2000
  Open house organized for the public to see the developments
• December 2000
  Youth Opportunities Tax Credit Program established to help fund the Youth Building
• In May 2001
  The public is invited to ground breaking ceremonies for the Youth Building
• August 2001
  First Fall Festival at The Commons
• December 2001
  Cattle Barns, Arena, Bleachers, and Concession Stand completed/Youth Building Open House
• July 2002
  Paving and RV Park completed/City of Salem Fireworks Display held at The Commons
• May 2003
  Pavilion completed/Log Cabin moved and restored

Endowment Fund for the Youth Building

The Commons Youth Building Endowment was created by resolution of The Commons Project Committee of the Dent County Fall Festival Association, Inc. on February 11, 2003 for the following purposes:

• Provide financial assistance for the expenses to operate and maintain the Youth Building
• Provide support for leadership education for the youth of the Dent County Community
• Provide scholarships
• Provide educational programs for youth

Donations for The Commons Youth Building Fund can be sent to:

P.O. Box 1271, Salem, MO 65560
Checks should be made payable to The Commons Project Committee.
Donations are tax deductible and can be made as memorials, in honor of, or as an individual.
Each gift will be honored on a plaque located in the youth building.
For more information on the Endowment Program contact Ed Pratt at 573.729.6115.

The Commons

The different areas of The Commons can be rented for a fee, which covers the cost to maintain the facilities and operating expenses such as utilities. In order for an organization or individual to rent the facilities, a formal agreement must be signed, and the deposit fee paid. Youth organizations of Dent County may use the facilities at no charge, because the purpose of The Commons is to provide youth with a meeting and gathering place. The Endowment Fund through The Foundation of the Ozarks makes this possible.

The Commons Facilities (with a description and completion date) as of July 2003 are:

Youth Building, January 2002
The Youth Building is primarily provided for the support and benefit of educational and social activities for Dent County youth. However, When the building is not in use by youth organizations, it is available for the general public to rent. Charges are applied to defray part of the costs of operating the Youth Building. The building includes a large auditorium to seat 160 people at tables or 220 theater style, with overflow into meeting rooms for another 40 people at tables. It has a complete residential kitchen, bathrooms, and a patio. Plaques hang on the south wall, acknowledging those who contributed to the Youth Building. One plaque lists those who donated through the Youth Opportunity Tax Credit Program, and the other lists memorials and contributions not eligible for the Youth Opportunity Program.

Livestock Barns, April 2002
Two Livestock Barns are located on the premises. Included on the backside is a washing station. There are lights in the barn and also bleachers for auctions. Bathrooms for the barns are located on the south side of the youth building.

Midway / Grandstand, April 2002
The Midway includes paved roads and large grassy areas. The Grandstand is a large pit ideal for Truck Pulls or Mud Runs.

Arena / Grandstand, April 2002
The 200' by 240' foot Arena has a press box, bleachers, and easy access. Horse stalls are available on the premises.

Stage, April 2002
The stage area has bleacher seating and is ideal for talent contests or perhaps an auction.

Parking Area, April 2002
There are 3 major paved parking areas located on the north and west sides of the youth building, and also on the east side of the arena.

Concession Stand, April 2002
The stand is located by the Midway.

Caretaker’s Residence, October 2001
The Commons Caretakers reside on the premises, across from the youth building.

Log Cabin, April 2003
Moved to current location by the pavilion and restored.

Pavilion, April 2003
Located at the edge of the wooded area on the southern boundaries of the property. The pavilion has picnic tables, a BBQ pit, and is roofed. It is ideal for a picnic or family reunion.

Natural Area, In Progress
Will include wildlife food plots, a soil profile, native tall grass area, warms season tests plots for the FFA grassland team, a forest learning center, riparian protection area, amphitheater/classroom and a pond which will be built in a few years.

RV Park, July 2002
There are 14 full-service sites, 6 with electric and water, and 3 with electric only. 20/30/50 Amp service is available, and the park has paved roads. Restrooms, showers, and a hand pump for water are located on the premises. One handicapped campsite is available. Please notify us if special accommodations are necessary.